A Villain's Survival Guide

As it turned out, Aaron hadn’t been an Unholy Priest when Rosemary assigned him as Leomaris’s personal butler. But the original Leomaris had treated him so poorly that he’d changed course entirely and sought his death.

It was said Aaron could regenerate and couldn’t be killed so long as his head remained intact. Hearing Raine speak of it felt far more terrifying than Leomaris had expected.

That wasn’t quite right, though. She hadn’t told him directly, he’d had to eavesdrop on her conversation with her maid. Raine wouldn’t speak to Leomaris. As if he didn’t exist.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Situations like his weren’t meant to be forced, and he had no intentions of dragging it out. Come morning though, during his training with Sebastian, she graced them with her presence.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Leomaris studied the coldness and determination in her eyes and realised how much had already changed. That fire wasn’t meant to be there, not this early.

In the novel, it only appeared at the academy, during the "Fall of the Great Citadel," when she came face to face with death and was saved by the protagonist. She’d gone cold after that. So cold that not even Lucius could read her.

’It was also said that Lucius could only get through to her by offering her snacks and sweets.’

She’d joined the training specifically to learn from Sebastian, sword arts, in particular. Apparently, the clean precision with which he’d cut off Aaron’s head had left quite the impression.

While that went on, Leomaris picked up a few tempting sweets and headed to the training ground. He rested against the wall, towel draped over his shoulder, waiting on Raine. Patient as a predator with bait set out.

It was bait and Raine knew it. And yet, the cake, the cream, the cherry sitting right on top. She couldn’t help herself. She exited the training ground soon enough and made her way toward Leomaris.

Thrilling, that was the only word for it. Leomaris watched her draw closer and couldn’t thank Lucius enough. Though he was also beginning to realise just how dangerous an obsession with sweets could be.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

It wasn’t something the novel had gone deep into, only Ren and Lucius knew about her soft spot. But Leomaris had his concerns. If sweets were all it took to get her to follow someone, she wouldn’t last long.

"I take it you are here because of me... you have not even taken a proper bite of that cake. You must have used it to get my attention."

Leomaris furrowed his brow, quietly amused. As sharp as the author had made her out to be. He handed the plate over without hesitation. Her hand coiled at the gesture, but she accepted it anyway.

"I believe you are well aware sweets aren’t good for your health. More importantly, your obsession with it can get you killed."

Raine’s red eyes settled on Leomaris’s golden ones, and she frowned. She’d heard a lot about him, about what a disappointment he was. But nothing about this young man before her pointed to a lout.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

"What are you going to do, threaten me with it?"

Soft smile, already forming. He’d been waiting for the right situation to leave a heavy impression on her. Appearing like a villain before someone as useful as Raine was the last thing on his mind.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

"I understand you have a poor opinion of me, Raine. But I cannot remain a ruffian forever. I am trying my best. Neither of us has any say in this arrangement, but we can decide whether it becomes a good one or not. I am doing my best to ensure it does." 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

"Who would have thought you were capable of such words... So, if I understand you correctly, you’re changing your ways just to be a better partner for me?"

Her innocent words had Leomaris chuckle for a moment.

"I would not say that, but it is not entirely false either. Life at the academy will not be as easy as the one I have lived so far. I must learn to put myself in order, and if I survive my time there, I may even become a respectable professor, perhaps ruling a floor within one of the three magic towers or at least earning land in the countryside as a count."

Two seconds. Raine stared, then exhaled deeply. The disappointment was plain, as though she’d genuinely wanted him to say he’d changed because of her. But Leomaris wasn’t finished, and the warm smile on his face said as much.

"The engagement has not yet been finalised, has it? Your family wishes for you to get to know me first, so I expect it will be arranged after you turn twenty. We may retain the titles of fiancé and fiancée until then. You may call it off if you change your mind, I shall do the same if I feel likewise."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away. Raine watched him from behind, casual, her expression giving nothing away.

’This will suffice. I only need her loyalty and support, not a ring on her finger. With this, I can build a relationship of comradeship and use our future marriage to strengthen it... yes, that will do.’

His mind moved on before the previous thought could take hold. The academy was two days away, and yet his mother hadn’t said a single thing about the grimoire she’d promised him.

The academy would sort him out either way, but despite how shady and mysterious Rosemary was, he’d hold out for the grimoire she’d promised. Claiming he wasn’t scared of trusting that woman, though, would be a flat lie.

And on top of that, the feeling had returned, unpleasant as ever. Being watched. Or perhaps someone trying to reach him.

He’d initially blamed it on Rosemary’s watchful eyes, but the feeling lingered even when she wasn’t looking. His suspicions existed, but he couldn’t place them. After all, he still had no idea who had brought him into this world, or why.

While his mind drifted, Sebastian was suddenly before him, appearing out of nowhere, as though he’d stepped straight out of thin air.

"Forgive the sudden approach, young master. Lady Rosemary requires your presence at once."